Iron Therapy-Induced Leukopenia in Arab Female Population, an experience in Qatar

Abstract

IntroductionIron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common cause of anemia in both developed and developing countries. Leukopenia is an infrequent side effect of iron therapy reported in the literature as sporadic cases. We conducted a study to clarify this issue and to check its consequences in a big cohort of patients with IDA.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between iron therapy (intravenous) and leukopenia, neutropenia or lymphocytopenia, and its clinical impact, if any, on patients.Materials and Methodsthis is a retrospective study conducted in Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha/Qatar. the clinical and biochemical data of 1567 females with IDA who attended the hematology clinic and were treated with intravenous iron therapy were collected and analysed. Complete and differential blood counts and iron profile were studied before and after iron treatment. In addition, cases who developed infections during the time of leukopenia were noted and checked for possible complications.ResultsAfter iron therapy, out of 1567 case of iron deficiency anemia, 30 cases (1.914%) developed leukopenia,15 cases (0.957%) developed neutropenia and 12 cases (0.765%) developed lymphocytopenia. All had normal WBC counts before treatment. 2 patients (6.66%) had infection, 1 had upper respiratory tract infection and 1 urinary tract infection, the latter was treated with antibiotics. There were no reported infections during or after iron therapy.ConclusionsLeukopenia in form of neutropenia or lymphocytopenia may occur as a side effect of IV iron therapy, however, its clinical significance appeared to be limited.